Caravan Club survey reveals pets play integral part in caravanners’ holiday plans

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by Joe Jeffrey

69 per cent of Caravan Club members choose to holiday with pets, survey reveals

A massive 69 per cent of members choose to holiday with their four-legged friends, with caravanning providing the perfect solution to having to find pet care when owners go on holiday and being separated from their cherished furry friends, research by The Caravan Club has shown.

Those looking to holiday across the United Kingdom has seen a huge resurgence this year and for those choosing to holiday in a caravan or motorhome, it completely solves the issue of what to do with their pets when they are away.

The Caravan Club represents over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tenters, many members take their pets with them when they holiday.   Just some of the pets which have been seen on campsites include parrots, giant rabbits, cats, dogs, tortoises and gerbils.

Animals lovers don’t like to be parted from their pets or having to put them in kennels or catteries.  Then there is always ‘the look’ that pet owners will have when collecting their furry family member after they have been away – and every pet owner knows that look!

One such  Caravan Club member is Andrew Ditton, who travels with his Airstream caravan and faithful companion Dougal, a spirited little Jack Russell Terrier who enjoys nothing more than hitching up and heading off to new adventures.  Holidaying in the caravan is second nature to Dougal, who delights in maintaining his daily routine of which all dogs are so fond. 

“Dougal just curls up in his crate and sleeps while we’re en route to our destination,” said Andrew, “But it’s by motorbike that he really loves to travel.  I carry the bike in my pick-up, then once we’re settled in on site we go off exploring the local area on two wheels. 

“Dougal rides in a dog-carrier on my back enjoying the new smells,” Andrew continued. “He also loves his creature comforts, so it’s nice to come back to central heating and all mod cons in the caravan.  Dougal is my best friend and my constant companion, and his company makes the holiday complete. Without him, the holiday would be empty.”
 
Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing at The Caravan Club said, “That’s the beauty of ‘vanning, you get to take the whole family with you on holiday.  So next time you are planning a holiday, make sure you include the furry ones too!  We have some great facilities on Club sites, many have specific dog walks on site or very close by.”

Check out just some of Andrew and Dougal’s adventures below and let us know: do you take your pets away with you?

Work begins on pioneering touring caravan park and wellness centre in Shrewsbury

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by Joe Jeffrey

New £3.5 million project from Salop Leisure gets underway

Work is underway on a £3.5 million project to create a pioneering new touring caravan park and glamping village with a wellness centre and spa facilities in Shrewsbury.

The park and glamping village, which will contain 120 touring caravan pitches, is being developed on 21.5 acres of land next to Salop Leisure‘s Emstrey headquarters in conjunction with the leisure vehicle dealership.

The environmentally friendly development will have a natural swimming pool, spa type facilities with a pilates and yoga instruction studio, gym, wooden play area, boot camp fire pit, fishing pool, wildlife area, dog walking paths, cycle track, Love Coffee café and electric car charging point. Activities will be aimed at both children and adults and they can choose to either take part or to relax in fantastic surroundings.

“We are keen to develop a park that is a new concept at one with nature and will instil a feeling of well-being and tranquillity in our visitors,” said Mark Bebb, Salop Leisure’s managing director. “Our lives have become dominated by technology, with our children glued to iPads and the Internet. We want to get them to experience the grass between their toes and enjoying the glamping experience.

“The park is in a perfect location on the edge of Shrewsbury with fantastic views towards the Wrekin and the South Shropshire Hills. Shrewsbury is a really beautiful town and we believe that it deserves to attract more visitors.

“The new touring park and glamping village will attract people from all over the country and hopefully that will benefit the town and local businesses. Shropshire has a lot of natural beauty and activities just waiting to be discovered.”

The new development is located close to tourist attractions including Attingham Park, Wroxeter Roman Vineyard and the Ironbridge Gorge. It is hoped the development will benefit people buying touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from Salop Leisure who can use the park to familiarise themselves with their purchase before going on a big trip.
 

The Caravan Club announces Isle of Wight Autumn getaway

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by Joe Jeffrey

Club announces something different with a stay at Southland Caravan Club Site
 
The Caravan Club has announced a series of exclusive short breaks to the Isle of Wight in conjunction with Wightlink Ferries just in time for Autumn and, with so much to see and do, it looks like now could be the ideal opportunity to take advantage.

Over 120 attractions and places of interest await those wishing to visit on the island, half of which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a paradise for walkers or simply those looking to explore somewhere new during 2016.

A four-night break at Southland Caravan Club Site for stays departing on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 6 September and 27 October (excluding 8 to 11 September) and travel with Wightlink could cost as little as £149.

Those wishing to stay at the Club’s Southland Site, near Newchurch on the eastern side of the island in the scenic Arreton Valley, will find a whole host of nearby attractions and plenty to do for all ages, acting as a great base for exploring all the island has to offer.

Prices for foot passengers on the Wightlink ferry start at just £6 including travel up until 31 October. For more information, contact Wightlink on 03339 997 333. To book your stay at Southland Caravan Club Site, click here.

Leisure World Group announces Elddis launch weekend

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out the all new Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore ranges and models this weekend
 
Leisure World Group has announced it is set to display all the latest models from Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore this weekend (27 to 29 August), providing visitors the opportunity to see the all new 2017 season ranges in the flesh at its three leisure vehicle showrooms.

Catterick Caravans, in Yorkshire, Ebor Leisure World, in York, and Tyneside Leisure World, in – you’ve guess it – Tyne and Wear, will all be revealing the latest models, while providing for a host of entertainment, for and drink across the course of the extra long bank holiday weekend. There will also be a number of special offers on the day for those in attendance.

Promising to be a fantastic weekend for the whole family, Leisure World are also offering you the chance to download an exclusive voucher pack, entitling visitors to free food and drink, free parking, free entry and much more. To download it,  click here. More information on the weekend extravaganza can be obtained by calling Leisure World Group on 01748  81 3 069.

All models in the 2017 season’s line up from Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore ranges come fully bonded using industry leading SoLiD Construction and, in what must be a sure sign of confidence, all will come backed by a free ten year warranty.

Blackshaw Moor welcomes new secretary of state

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by Joe Jeffrey

Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site received a visit from Rt Hon Karen Bradley

The new secretary of state responsible for culture, media, sport and tourism, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, accepted an invitation from The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, to visit Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site in her Staffordshire Moorlands constituency earlier this week.

Bradley and her two sons enjoyed a tour of the site, with Lomas and the wardens, and chatted to members enjoying the Peak District sunshine.

Lomas said of Bradley’s visit: “We have a long-running programme of engaging with politicians at all levels, so they gain an understanding of the value that touring caravanning brings to a local area. 

“To have the Secretary of State responsible for tourism taking time out of her busy schedule was a huge honour for us, and we all enjoyed meeting her.  She seemed very impressed by the site and its facilities, and I’m sure she went away with a much better understanding of the importance of our sector to the rural economy and how The Club and members contribute to that,” Lomas continued.
 

Taking a look at the all new Compass Casita for 2017

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out our latest video where we check out the new Compass Casita

As previously reported, Elddis unveiled their new caravans for 2017 earlier this week, amongst which was the all new Compass Casita range.

Featuring a total of six caravans within the range – the 550, 554, 574 and 586, 840 and 866 – each Casita comes with a great number of special touches, and the final two, the Casita 840 and Casita 866, both measure in at 8ft wide.

The range as a whole will benefit from: Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater; Whale 4.3kW underfloor space heater; locker doors with ‘quiet close’ gaskets; ’boutique bathroom sink; kitchen splashback; ‘Sakura’ Aquaclean upholstery; ‘Salinas Ash’ furniture; ‘Nagoya’ wallboard and new external graphics.

CaravanTimes visited Elddis’ headquarters to find out more about the Casita. Check out our latest video above to take a look.

Caravan Club announces sunny seaside breaks for summer

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by Joe Jeffrey

Do you like to be beside the seaside? if so, read on for The Caravan Clubs latest getaways for the summer

Call us traditional, but not much beats the feeling of sand between our toes as we sit on a stripy deckchair with ice cream in hand at Britains coastal beaches. It could also be said that returning to our old childhood seaside destinations also provides us with a great deal of nostalgia. Now, The Caravan Club is offering members the chance to experience just that, following the announcement of some brilliant seaside breaks just in time for summer. So read on and check out some of the Club’s top destinations, ideal for families and couples alike.

Blackpool Beach

Once a booming seaside resort, holidaymakers are returning to Blackpool to experience the seaside attractions that made the town so popular in the 1950s and 60s. Visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach to find traditional funfair rides including dodgems, a ghost train and a vintage carousel. In the evening holidaymakers can enjoy walks along the seafront to enjoy the spectacular Blackpool Illuminations. For visitors looking for a relaxed day at a sandy beach they can visit St Anne’s, just a four mile drive away from Blackpool South Caravan Club Site.

A stay at Blackpool South Caravan Club Site based on two adults and two children, costs £32.80 per night.

Skegness Sands

Pack a trusty bucket and spade to build sandcastles on Skegness beach. The popular coastal town offers plenty of traditional outdoor activities for holidaymakers to enjoy including bumper cars, slot machines and crazy golf as well as tucking into a delicious portion of fish and chips on the golden sand. Guests staying at Skegness Sands Caravan Club Site can find private access to the promenade and centre of Skegness, where they can explore the local town and pick up a stick of rock.

A stay at Skegness Sands Caravan Club Site based on two adults and two children, costs £34.50 per night.

Traditional beach in Weymouth

Step back in time and visit Weymouth Beach and enjoy locally made ice cream at the parlour on the seafront, watch a Punch and Judy shows and take a donkey ride along the beach. As well as classic British attractions, there is new entertainment for holidaymakers to discover including an airlift to the Sea Life Tower, live music and summer firework displays in the evening. Just a ten minute drive from Weymouth beach, visitors can stay at East Fleet Farm Touring Park.

A stay at East Fleet Farm Touring Park Site based on two adults and two children, costs £ 37.50 per night.

To book your stay at any of the above, call those friendly people over at The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or click here. Do you plan on visiting any of Britain’s seaside resorts this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Couple risk it all for new life at North Devon holiday park

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by Joe Jeffrey

Mill Park opens its gates to public as IT professionals take to the great outdoors

A daring couple who gambled their fast-moving IT careers in London to run a hideaway North Devon holiday park say they have created a perfect antidote for guests with stressed-out lifestyles.

Adrian and Karen Coppin quit their city life last year to buy Mill Park near Ilfracombe – and this March saw them open their gates to families seeking the perfect escape.

Their 30-acre coastal park, set in a secluded wooded valley, provides pitches for motorhomes, tents and touring caravans, plus a range of luxury glamping options.

The couple, both in their mid-40s, say their aim from the outset was to attract visitors whose often demanding jobs leave precious little time for unwinding and relaxation.

To help them successfully juggle their work-life balance, Adrian and Karen wanted to provide an environment where it’s possible to switch-off within minutes of arrival.

After viewing dozens of different options, the couple were alerted to the sale of Mill Park, just a short walk from uncrowded beaches and on the edge of Exmoor.

Based near the picture-postcard 16th century village of Berrynarbor in lush Devon countryside, Mill Park has a tranquil stream-fed 1.5 acre fishing lake as its centrepiece.

The waters surrounding Mill Park help attract a raft of wildlife to the grounds from deer to dragonflies, plus a wide range of common and less familiar bird species including kingfishers. Wild flowers also abound, and help to sustain a thriving butterfly and honey bee population.

“Mill Park is a truly magical place to stay where you are completely enveloped in nature – and where the outside world seems a thousand miles away,” said Adrian.

“When Karen and I worked in London, we would often seek out somewhere for a short break where you could feel the stresses melting away immediately.

“We thought it would be great if we could provide something similar for people wanting an away-from-it-all experience, and decided to take the plunge.

“The feedback we’ve received so far from guests has been fantastic, and we’ve now received bookings right the way through until the end of the season!” added Adrian.

Elddis’ new 8ft wide Avante range under the microscope in new video

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes headed along to Elddis to take a closer look at the Avante

Earlier this week, Elddis unveiled their new caravan ranges for 2017, included in which was the new Avante line up.

Perhaps the most exciting news to come from the Avante’s line up was the introduction of two new models for the 2017 season, namely the Avante 840 and the Avante 866 – both of which are 8ft wide.

The Avante 840 has certainly been designed with families in mind, or simply couples who are looking for a caravan with a host of options as far as layout is concerned, including a new fixed bed, super-size lounge – ideal for entertaining and becoming a large double bed at night. Furthermore, a large horseshoe-shaped diner, ideal for eating of simply relaxing, can be converted into a near-side French bed opposite the bathroom which comes fully equipped.

The other 8ft offering within the Avante range, the 866, also provides for an abundance of extra space, creating an unprecedented family layout. Again, with a huge lounge, a horseshoe diner complements large pod-style bunkbeds at the rear alongside a separate lounge area where the kids can chill out and crash. Both the Avante 840 and Avante 866 come complete with new front panels and gas locker doors.

Built on an AL-KO chassis with AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC, the Avante range also comes with a Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater; Whales 4.3kW underfloor space heater; new locker door ‘quite close’ gasket; revised kitchen splashback, ’boutique’ bathroom sink; new worktop and vanity counter top; ‘Linden’ Aquaclean upholstery, and new exterior graphics plus more.

CaravanTimes headed along to Elddis to find out more about the Avante, so check out our video above and let us know what you think. We think you’ll be impressed.

Elddis unveil new motorhomes for 2017

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by Joe Jeffrey

New motorhomes announced by Elddis for 2017

Following on from yesterday’s announcement surrounding Elddis’ caravan line up for 2017, Elddis have announced their new motorhomes for 2017. Autoquest, Accordo and Encore ranges are all set to make their triumphant return for the new season, featuring new models and a series of impressive updates, so read on and find out what to expect.

Autoquest

Heralded by Elddis as one of the best-selling motorhome ranges of all time, the award-winning Autoquest sees a six-model-line enter into the new season, including one brand new offering by way of the Autoquest 196.

The six berth 196 will offer families the ideal opportunity to escape for 2017, thanks in part to its six-berth capacity and spacious size. Featuring an electric drop down bed over the spacious lounge which also converts into a comfortable double bedroom, as well as two fixed single beds at the rear just before the spacious family-sized bathroom, this model is certainly one to provide for plenty of room. But, motorhomes being motorhomes, drive performance is certainly an important factor. That’s why Elddis have provided a Peugeot Boxer 2.2 130bhp BlueHDi Turbo Diesel for an impressive drive, featuring better fuel efficiency and a six speed gear box, as well as new Euro 6 engine with reduced emissions.

Similar to the new Autoquest 196, each of the additional five Autoquest models (115, 155, 175, 185 and 195) will come with the same Euro 6 engine, and each Autoquest has also been built on a low line Peugeot chassis for increased drivability. That’s not all though, and every single model has had a bit of an exterior makeover, including new front pod and new bodykit.

The Autoquest range hasn’t been forgotten about from the inside either, and a new Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater has been introduced for 2017. Add to this new ‘Montela’ upholstery, ‘Nagoya’ wallboard, and other handy changes including redesigned locker doors, captain’s style cab seats and kitchen splashback and it seems Elddis might just have another award-winning range on their hands for the new season.

Prices start at £36,399 On the Road. For more information about the Autoquest range, click here.

Accordo

Elddis have, for 2017, continued to concentrate on existing models within the Autoquest range, offering four models – the 105, 120, 125 and 130 – for next season.

Offering the same award-winning attributes as the Autoquest above, each compact Accordo is under 2.6m in height and less than 6m in length with 6’4” internal headroom, without the restrictions or compromise of a van conversion.

Each Accordo model within the range will come complete with a EURO 6 compliant engine, Whale Expanse with-litre underfloor water heater and captain’s style cab seats to complement the low line Peugeot chassis as previously seen on previous models within the range. Each Accordo will also maintain previously featured silver GRP sides and Whale 4kW underfloor space-saving heater.

Interior-wise, upholstery comes by way of Elddis’ new ‘Montel’ design, with ‘Nagoya’ wallboard. That’s not all though, and additional extras include: soft-close wardrobe hinges; ’boutique’ bathroom sink and shower accessories; kitchen splashback and more.

Prices start at £36,399 On the Road. For more information about the Accordo range, click here.

Encore

With a new season comes many new changes, and Elddis’ Encore is, quite simply, no exception. Again, Elddis will be sticking to the low line Peugeot chassis and silver GRP sides as with their previous range offering, but – aside from the inclusion of Alde’s 3020 combo boiler and the fact that its four models will remain – this is where the buck stops as far as anything Encore is concerned.

Each model (254, 255, 275 and 285) will come with a Euro 6 compliant engine for 2017, and a number of changes have been added to make the Encore that much better. These include captain’s chair style cab seats for better comfort when on the move and detailed touches including the addition of kitchen drawer handles with positive locking; quiet-close locker hinges; kitchen splashback and worktop vanity sink. Elsewhere, a ‘Nagoya’ wallboard and new ‘Ladinia’ furniture design look set to impress.

Worth mentioning, the Encore 254’s adjustable island bed to the rear has been built to provide improved access, in turn allowing for an extra 400mm of extra floor space. The bed also offers either a 6′ or 6’3″ maximum position.

Prices start at £49,799 On the Road. For more information about the Encore range, click here.

What do you think of Elddis’ motorhome range for 2017? Let us know in the comments below.

GEM advises car users to keep their cool during sweltering week of weather

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by Joe Jeffrey

Advice issued by GEM Motoring Assist as temperatures set to soar

As many of us head off on our summer holidays this week, breakdown and road safety organisation, GEM Motoring Assist, has urged those doing so to keep their cool when travelling by car.

With temperatures across southern England and Wales predicted to approach 30 degrees by the middle of the week, GEM has assembled a selection of practical and sensible information that will help keep drivers and their passengers safe on journeys, namely:

– Plan your journey. Check the route in advance and don’t forget to build in breaks if you’re making a long journey. If you’re heading to the coast, expect many other motorists to have the same idea, so be prepared for queues. Plan where you will park at the end of the journey.
– Think about setting off earlier or later, so that you avoid travelling during the hottest and most uncomfortable times of day.
– Wear clothes that will keep you as cool as possible, but don’t drive in bare feet, flip-flops or loose sandals.
– Keep a large bottle of water in the car. Drink plenty during rest stops, to help you keep hydrated.
– Never leave a child or dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a child or dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.
– Carry out some basic maintenance checks on your car before setting out. Check engine coolant and oil levels, tyre pressure and tread depth and windscreen washer fluid levels.
– Practise kindness and etiquette to other drivers whose manners may be not be as good as yours. Don’t get involved in altercations, as this will go a long way toward keeping you – and others – safer in hot weather.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said of the precautions road users should take in the event of extreme heat: “Driving in hot weather can be challenging, but we can reduce stress and discomfort by following some simple tips to ensure that we, our passengers and our vehicles are ready for the heat.”

Aside from fuel-draining air conditioning, what measures do you take when setting off in your car in the heat? It would be interesting to share your solutions below.

Win a holiday by voting in The Caravan Club Certified Location of the Year Awards

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by Joe Jeffrey

Cast your votes now in Club’s CL of the Year 2016 and win a five night stay

The Caravan Club has opened up voting for its Certified Location (CL) of the Year Awards, offering the voting public the chance to win their very own five night stay at a CL of their choice.

Voting for the awards concentrates on recognising the very best CLs spanning the length and breadth of the UK, rewarding hardworking owners who pull out all the stops for the Club’s members. The privately-owned, maximum five-van sites, many of which are situated idyllic and remote locations, certainly offer those looking for something completely different exactly that, while providing for the perfect base for a raft of activities including golf, fishing and much more.

As an added incentive for voting, everyone who chooses their favourite CL will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a five-night stay at a CL of their choice along with an invitation to the award ceremony at the House of Commons in November.

To cast your vote, click here now.